Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven

Reviewed By: Tony Keller
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PlayStation II (Sony)
Produced by: Activision
Price Range: $21-30
Learning curve time: 31-60 min.
Age level: Mature Teen to Adult
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Overall Rating:
Genre: Action
Christian Rating: 1 of 5
   (very offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 1 of 5
   (extreme)
Adult Content: 3 of 5
   (mild)

Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven. Illustration copyrighted.

Stealth action games are becoming more and more familiar in games lately. While most stealth games involve a covert-ops agent or spy that fights terrorists,Tenchu uses the old ninja assassin style that is quite impressive. In this game you play as three different ninjas, each with their own uniqe attack styles and missions,and must battle the forces not as a one-man-army,but by sticking to the shadows and using stealth to out-smart their foes.

Gameplay: The game engine itself is absolutely amazing. Your characters have a wide variety of weapons and skills to beat the missions. Another unique factor in this game is the "stealth kills". This is where you attack a foe without him noticing you and the game switches to a cinematic mode and shows your ninja defeating the enemy in a unique one-hit kill. Although,some of these moves are quite merciless and gory.

Violence: The violence in this game is its worst trait. Considering your character uses a blade,seeing blood fly everywhere and heads being hacked off is expected. Many stealth kills involve your character butchering a poor enemy while he screams in agony. The worst of this is the secret character's stealth kills. He uses his fists so he can't slash up the enemy. Instead,he uses such attacks as breaking bones,cracking necks,pulling bones out them,and the traditional "pull heart out of the enemy's chest while standing there dramatically" attack. This all doesn't follow Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you"…

Sex Issues: Although there wasn't any nudity or open sex,many objectional jokes and barely dressed women could be found in this game. Play on your own risk!

Drug/Alchohol Issues: The only thing that I found was that you come across several drunken gaurds.

Occult/Magic Issues: This is another issue that can't be overlooked. You hear about false gods,you battle some demons,your character can use some items to summon up magic spells,and the final boss is a wizard.

Screensnot

Overall this game is very fun to play,but I honestly think that christians should avoid it due to the violence. But definently listen to the ratings!(They put them there for a purpose you know!) This game is rated “M” and should be treated as such. GOD bless!

Year of Release—2003

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.